Regeneration of rat optic axons into peripheral nerve grafts.

The regenerative response of myelinated axons of the mammalian central nervous system was investigated by inserting peripheral nerve grafts in the vicinity of traumatized rat optic axons. Peroneal nerve grafts were inserted into crushed optic nerves and assessed for the ability to support optic axon regeneration. Regenerating axons of retinal origin were present in the peripheral nerve grafts several weeks later. Horseradish peroxidase studies indicated that retinal ganglion cells were a source for regenerating nerve fibers.